Elementary Education Certification Pathway

A tuition-assisted pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education to fulfill K-5 teaching positions in the state of Kentucky.

Elementary Education Certification Pathway Logo

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSION

Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Microsoft Teams - Metro College Elementary Education Pathway & Commonwealth Credit Union Info Session | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams 
Current Elementary Education Pathway Students & UPS employees are invited to attend November 6, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM to learn more about the Elementary Education Certification Pathway and talk to a staff member from the Metropolitan College Office & the University of Louisville College of Education. 

Please reach out the Ashley Batliner at ashley.batliner@louisville.edu with any questions regarding the upcoming Info Session 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The MC Elementary Education Certification Pathway provides tuition assistance and academic support to students at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. The pathway is designed to fulfill K-5 teaching positions in the state of Kentucky. Students participate in the Metropolitan College program for 3 ½ years working third shift at UPS and enroll in no more than 13 credit hours each semester. Students can begin enrollment in the program any fall, spring, or summer semester. 

Students will work with an assigned UofL Academic Advisor to ensure course selection starting noon or later each day. During the first three and a half years, Elementary Education Pathway participants are eligible for 100% coverage of undergraduate tuition up to the full-time, regular, resident rate for fall, spring, and summer semesters; weekly pay with a starting wage of $21 per hour as a part-time, third-shift employee at UPS Worldport; and the potential to earn academic bonuses and fee payments for fall and spring semesters. These bonuses can be saved to pay for tuition in the last semester while working for JCPS. MC students will complete their 240 hours of field experience on Fridays, summers, and at the beginning and end of the fall and spring semesters when UofL is not in session.

This pathway supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and includes six track options which you can explore further by clicking the individual tracks below:

In addition to academic advising, MC students receive ongoing support from their assigned MC Student Success Counselor, who provides guidance on program milestones, including:

  • Maintaining MC eligibility requirements such as completing CAPP Requirements, meeting work commitment dates, signing MC agreements on time, etc.
  • Preparing for and submitting the Upper Division application (typically between freshman and sophomore years)
  • Providing student specific support where needed. 

For more details on academic and program requirements—and to view a sample four-year flight plan see: Education Pathway Flight Plan Schedule & Professional Requirements

OPTION 9 FINANCIAL BENEFITS

What is Option 9? In the last semester of the program, students will work at a JCPS school as an Instructional Assistant (must meet employment eligibility) and earn 12 hours of student teaching credit. This is known as Option 9. Students will also complete a 1-credit on-line capstone course. While working as a JCPS Instructional Assistant, student will be eligible for:

  • 12 Credits of UofL Tuition Paid by:
    • A 25% grant-based tuition reduction for the last semester of undergraduate tuition at UofL.
    • Apply for JCPS tuition assistance. It is not guaranteed, and distribution of funds depends on the number of eligible employees requesting benefit.
    • Commonwealth Credit Union Teaching Certification Scholarship: Students who have signed a minimum of 3 metro college agreements prior to their final Option 9 teaching semester will be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship awarded by the Commonwealth Credit Union. Eligible students do not need to submit anything for this scholarship and the award will be posted during their final Option 9 teaching semester if program requirements are fulfilled.
    • Commonwealth Credit Union Savings Plan: The CCU savings plan option (if utilized) will require students in the program to make a $5-$30 a week direct deposit starting at the beginning of the program. Students will also save their MC semester bonuses and MC fee payments, into the Commonwealth Credit Union account. MC students are strongly encouraged to direct deposit as much as their budget will allow so that they can supplement their JCPS Instructional Assistant income, healthcare fees, and any outstanding tuition and fees during the last semester of the program. MC students should connect with a CCU Financial Services Representative at a local branch during their first semester in the MC program to utilize the savings plan.
  • Pay/Benefits
    • Instructional Assistant pay range is $19.01 to $22.01/hour.
    • Positions are 187 days and subject to escrow.
    • Employees under Option 9, once they are hired, do not receive benefits until the second month after full employment. To obtain healthcare insurance during the interim period, students can:
  • Future Hiring
    • When they successfully graduate, they will be in a high priority hiring status as a new hire.
    • All JCTA transfer rules will be followed meaning sitting teachers wanting to transfer will get first rights to openings per the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement).

Students in high school teaching pathways can complete 9 credit hours and 33 field hours before starting at the University of Louisville and Metropolitan College. JCPS/Bullitt/Nelson/Oldham/Bardstown/Fayette/Spencer/Assumption Teaching Pathway fulfill some of the course requirements and field hours.

Review and print our Metropolitan College Elementary Education Certification Pathway Overview to learn more about the program & it's benefits. 

EXAMPLE DAILY STUDENT SCHEDULE

ELIGIBLITY & ENROLLMENT TIMELINE

QUESTIONS

Do you have specific questions and don’t know who to contact? Meet the Ed Pathway Team below: 

  • Ashley Batliner, MC Student Success Counselor: ashley.batliner@louisville.edu - Can answer questions related to Metro College program benefits and requirements  

  • Justin Crenshaw, Option 9 Program Coordinator: justin.crenshaw@louisville.edu - Can answer Option 9 related questions 

  • Keonna Gibbs, Academic Advisor: keonna.gibbs@louisville.edu - Can answer academic related questions and help with course scheduling for students in Elementary Only (INDV) and (IECE) tracks.  

  • Ty Constante, Academic Advisor: shane.constante@louisville.edu - Can answer academic related questions and help with course scheduling for students in the LBD and MSD tracks

  • Sara Heun, High Volume Talent Acquisition Analyst: saraheun@ups.com - Can answer UPS employment-related questions such as hours worked, HR issues, leave, etc. 

  • Kristi Lauder, Talent Acquisition Supervisor: klauder@ups.com - Can answer UPS employment-related questions such as hours worked, HR issues, leave, etc.